Liverpool's Barcola deal highlights need for further reinforcements
Liverpool agreed to sign Bradley Barcola from PSG for £106m, but a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest exposed ongoing issues at full-back. Coach Andoni Iraola expressed frustration at being unable to make timely substitutions. The club may need more signings before the transfer deadline to address defensive weaknesses.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola succeeded only after PSG lowered their asking price from £145m to £106m, with add-ons potentially raising the total. The 23-year-old winger, eager to leave Paris for more playing time, is set to become the club’s second-most expensive signing. Yet Saturday’s draw exposed deeper concerns: both starting full-backs, Kerkez and Frimpong, failed to complete a single accurate cross from six attempts, leaving striker Alexander Isak isolated with just 14 touches. Iraola’s frustration grew when a delayed substitution window—blamed on fourth-official equipment issues—coincided with Forest’s go-ahead penalty, which stemmed from Frimpong losing his marker.
With Conor Bradley still recovering from a long-term knee injury, Liverpool lack reliable right-back cover, and opponents have begun targeting Frimpong. The club’s decision to rely on Kostas Tsimikas as left-back backup also looks risky, given Kerkez’s inconsistent form. Barcola’s arrival addresses the attack, but the defensive frailties remain unresolved with the transfer deadline looming.
This transfer saga and the subsequent draw could shape Liverpool’s season trajectory, as fans and pundits may question whether the club’s recruitment strategy prioritizes star power over structural balance. If defensive issues persist, early dropped points could undermine confidence in Iraola’s system, affecting player morale and transfer-market credibility. Competitors may exploit Liverpool’s full-back weaknesses, while supporters’ unease could pressure the board into rushed deadline-day deals. Ultimately, the outcome may influence how the club is perceived in future negotiations, as rivals note that Liverpool’s patience in the market sometimes leaves gaps on the pitch.